When we think of pre-Columbian literature, we often think of codices, glyphs, or oral traditions. But tucked away in the history of the Andes is a true gem: (sometimes spelled Ullanta ). This anonymous Quechua play is not only the oldest known literary work in a native language of the Americas but also a powerful story of love, class, and rebellion. What is Ollantay ? Ollantay is a dramatic text written entirely in Classical Quechua, the language of the Inca elite. While the exact date of its composition is debated, most scholars agree it was likely transcribed from oral tradition in the late 16th or early 17th century by a Spanish missionary—possibly Antonio Valdés or Juan de Espinosa Medrano. However, its themes, characters, and structure are undeniably pre-Hispanic in origin.
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Ollantay : The Only Surviving Quechua Drama and a Window into the Inca Empire
